Interchangeable telecommunications enclosure components

ABSTRACT

Aspects of the present disclosure relate to selectable and interchangeable covers, frames, and lids for a plurality of different telecommunications module frames. The selectable covers can vary, for example, with respect to size, shape, and number arrangement, and configuration of ports to provide for different selectable combinations of module assemblies.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.16/486,383, filed on Aug. 15, 2019, which is a National StageApplication of PCT/EP2018/053767, filed on Feb. 15, 2018, which claimsthe benefit of U.S. Patent Application Ser. No. 62/459,376, filed onFeb. 15, 2017, and claims the benefit of U.S. Patent Application Ser.No. 62/522,435, filed on Jun. 20, 2017, the disclosures of which areincorporated herein by reference in their entireties. To the extentappropriate, a claim of priority is made to each of the above disclosedapplications.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates generally to optical fiber communicationsystems. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to enclosuresused in optical fiber communication systems. The disclosures of PCTPatent Application No. PCT/EP2016/071740, filed Sep. 14, 2016 areincorporated by reference in their entirety. The disclosures of U.S.Patent Publication No. 2014/0254986, filed May 23, 2014 are incorporatedby reference in their entirety.

BACKGROUND

Fiber optic communication systems are becoming prevalent in part becauseservice providers want to deliver high bandwidth communicationcapabilities (e.g., data and voice) to customers. Fiber opticcommunication systems employ a network of fiber optic cables to transmitlarge volumes of data and voice signals over relatively long distances.Optical fiber connectors and fiber optic enclosures are an importantpart of most fiber optic communication systems. Fiber optic connectorsallow two optical fibers to be quickly optically connected withoutrequiring a splice. Fiber optic connectors can be used to opticallyinterconnect two lengths of optical fiber. Fiber optic connectors canalso be used to interconnect lengths of optical fiber to passive andactive equipment. Fiber optic enclosures are incorporated into fiberoptic networks to facilitate providing access to optical fibers of fiberoptic network cables. Fiber optic enclosures often house components suchas splice trays, passive optical splitters, fiber optic adapters, fiberoptic connectors, connector storage regions, indexing components,connection fields/panels, connectorized pigtails, wavelength divisionalmulti-plexers and other components.

Many fiber optic enclosures are designed to be installed in outsideenvironments and are environmentally sealed. This type of enclosure canalso include sealed connector ports for interfacing with connectorizeddrop cables. Optical fibers of the fiber optic network cable routed intothe enclosure are often accessed within the enclosure and spliced toanother cable such as a drop cable, directly connectorized or spliced toconnectorized pigtails. When the fibers are connectorized, theconnectorized ends can be plugged into inner ends of fiber opticadapters incorporated into the sealed connector ports. In the field,outer ends of the fiber optic adapters can be used to receive ruggedizedfiber optic connectors corresponding to drop cables to provide opticalconnections between the drop cables and optical fibers of the fiberoptic network cable without having to access an interior of theenclosure.

SUMMARY

One aspect of the present disclosure relates to telecommunicationssystems having modular enclosures (“modules”) defined by a frame andhaving interchangeable, selectable covers that can be selected andchanged according to specific telecommunications needs.

One aspect of the present disclosure relates to telecommunicationssystems having modular enclosures (“modules”) defined by a frame thatcan be readily adapted to different connectorized and non-connectorizedoptical fiber configurations. For a given module, ports can bemodified/adapted by their location on the module, type of port, numberof ports, etc.

Another aspect of the present disclosure relates to a telecommunicationsenclosure system comprising: a plurality of enclosure modules, each ofthe enclosure modules defined by a frame and defining an interior volumeand comprising a plurality of sides, at least one of the sides includingan opening; a plurality of covers selectable from a plurality of coverconfigurations, each of the cover configurations comprising a plate andbeing removably mountable to one or more of the plurality of enclosuremodules to at least partially cover the opening, the coverconfigurations being selectable from configurations that differ from oneanother with respect to one or more of: size, shape, number of ports,type or configuration of ports, and/or arrangement of ports.

Each of the ports in each of the covers can be adapted to receive aconnectorizing element of one or more optical fibers or anon-connectorized portion of a fiber optic cable.

In addition, one or more of the selectable frames themselves can includeone or more ports adapted to receive a connectorizing element of one ormore optical fibers or a non-connectorized portion of a fiber opticcable.

In addition, one or more of the interior volumes of the selectableframes can include one or more elements that can provide for one or moreof: optical fiber splicing, optical fiber splitting, optical fiberfanning out, optical fiber storing, and/or optical fiber indexing.

Another aspect of the present disclosure relates to a kit for assemblinga telecommunications enclosure, the kit including at least one of one ormore configurations of module frames, each frame having at least a top,a bottom, and a plurality of sides defining an interior volume, and/orat least one of one or more configurations of cover for covering anopening in a side of a frame, and/or at least one of one or moreconfigurations of lid for covering an opening in a top of a frame,wherein at least two of the covers are interchangeable with respect to agiven frame, and/or wherein at least two of the lid configurations areinterchangeable with respect to a given frame.

A variety of additional aspects will be set forth in the descriptionthat follows. The aspects relate to individual features and tocombinations of features. It is to be understood that both the foregoinggeneral description and the following detailed description are exemplaryand explanatory only and are not restrictive of the broad inventiveconcepts upon which the embodiments disclosed herein are based.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 depicts a front perspective view of an example enclosure moduleframe that can be coupled with one or more of the covers of the presentdisclosure.

FIG. 2 depicts a rear perspective view of the example enclosure moduleof FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 depicts a rear perspective view of a further example enclosuremodule of the present disclosure.

FIG. 4 depicts a front perspective view of further example enclosuremodule frame that can be coupled with one or more of the covers of thepresent disclosure.

FIG. 5 depicts a rear perspective view of the example enclosure moduleof FIG. 4.

FIG. 6 depicts a rear perspective view of a further example enclosuremodule of the present disclosure.

FIG. 7 depicts a front perspective view of further example enclosuremodule frame that can be coupled with one or more of the covers of thepresent disclosure.

FIG. 8 depicts a rear perspective view of the example enclosure moduleof FIG. 7.

FIG. 9 depicts a rear perspective view of a further example enclosuremodule of the present disclosure.

FIG. 10 depicts an example covered enclosure module frame in accordancewith the present disclosure.

FIG. 11A depicts a further example covered enclosure module frame inaccordance with the present disclosure and mounted to a horizontalsurface.

FIG. 11B depicts the covered enclosure module frame of FIG. 11A mountedto a vertical surface.

FIG. 12 depicts a further example covered enclosure module frame inaccordance with the present disclosure.

FIG. 13 depicts a further example enclosure module frame that can becoupled with one or more of the covers of the present disclosure, theenclosure module frame including a stacking element.

FIG. 14 depicts a further example enclosure module frame that can becoupled with one or more of the covers of the present disclosure, theenclosure module frame including a stacking element.

FIG. 15 depicts the enclosure module frame of FIG. 14 without thestacking element.

FIG. 16 depicts the enclosure module frame of FIG. 13 without thestacking element.

FIG. 17 depicts an example cover in accordance with the presentdisclosure.

FIG. 18 depicts a further example cover in accordance with the presentdisclosure.

FIG. 19 depicts an example optical termination unit pair that can becoupled to at least one of the covers of the present disclosure.

FIG. 20 depicts a further example cover in accordance with the presentdisclosure.

FIG. 21 depicts a further example cover in accordance with the presentdisclosure.

FIG. 22 depicts a further example cover in accordance with the presentdisclosure.

FIG. 23 depicts a further example cover in accordance with the presentdisclosure.

FIG. 24 depicts a further example cover in accordance with the presentdisclosure.

FIG. 25 depicts a further example cover in accordance with the presentdisclosure.

FIG. 26A through FIG. 260 show various views of a further example coverin accordance with the present disclosure.

FIG. 27 shows the cover of FIGS. 26A-0 in a partially connectorizedconfiguration.

FIG. 28 shows a front view of the cover of FIG. 20.

FIG. 29 shows a front view of the cover of FIG. 26A-0.

FIG. 30 shows a partially connectorized example cover in accordance withthe present disclosure.

FIG. 31 shows the cover of FIG. 18 partially connectorized with theoptical termination unit pair of FIG. 19.

FIG. 32 shows a further partially connectorized example cover inaccordance with the present disclosure.

FIG. 33 shows a further partially connectorized example cover inaccordance with the present disclosure.

FIG. 34 is a further view of the partially connectorized cover of FIG.27.

FIG. 35 is a front view of an example cover in accordance with thepresent disclosure.

FIG. 36 is a front view of a further example cover in accordance withthe present disclosure.

FIG. 37 is a front view of a further example cover in accordance withthe present disclosure.

FIG. 38 is a front view of a further example cover in accordance withthe present disclosure.

FIG. 39 depicts an example telecommunications module frame assemblyincluding the cover of FIG. 20 and the module frame of FIG. 14.

FIG. 40 is a front view of an example telecommunications module frameassembly, including a cover in accordance with the present disclosure.

FIG. 41 is a front view of a further example telecommunications moduleframe assembly, including a further cover in accordance with the presentdisclosure.

FIG. 42 is a front view of a further example telecommunications moduleframe assembly, including two different covers in accordance with thepresent disclosure.

FIG. 43 is a front view of a further example telecommunications moduleframe assembly, including two of the same covers in accordance with thepresent disclosure.

FIG. 44 shows a first example assembled combination according to thepresent disclosure of a housing module frame of the present disclosure,a lid of the present disclosure, and a cover of the present disclosure.

FIG. 45 shows a second example assembled combination according to thepresent disclosure of a housing module frame of the present disclosure,a lid of the present disclosure, and a cover of the present disclosure.

FIG. 46 shows a third example assembled combination according to thepresent disclosure of a housing module frame of the present disclosure,a lid of the present disclosure, and a cover of the present disclosure.

FIG. 47 shows a fourth example assembled combination according to thepresent disclosure of a housing module frame of the present disclosure,a lid of the present disclosure, and a cover of the present disclosure.

FIG. 48 shows a fifth example assembled combination according to thepresent disclosure of a housing module frame of the present disclosure,a lid of the present disclosure, and a cover of the present disclosure.

FIG. 49 shows a sixth example assembled combination according to thepresent disclosure of a housing module frame of the present disclosure,a lid of the present disclosure, and a cover of the present disclosure.

FIG. 50 shows a seventh example assembled combination according to thepresent disclosure of a housing module frame of the present disclosure,a lid of the present disclosure, and a cover of the present disclosure.

FIG. 51 shows a eighth example assembled combination according to thepresent disclosure of a housing module frame of the present disclosure,a lid of the present disclosure, and a cover of the present disclosure.

FIG. 52 shows a ninth example assembled combination according to thepresent disclosure of a housing module frame of the present disclosure,a lid of the present disclosure, and a cover of the present disclosure.

FIG. 53 shows a tenth example assembled combination according to thepresent disclosure of a housing module frame of the present disclosure,a lid of the present disclosure, and a cover of the present disclosure.

FIG. 54 shows a eleventh example assembled combination according to thepresent disclosure of a housing module frame of the present disclosure,a lid of the present disclosure, and a cover of the present disclosure.

FIG. 55 shows a twelfth example assembled combination according to thepresent disclosure of a housing module frame of the present disclosure,a lid of the present disclosure, and a cover of the present disclosure.

FIG. 56 shows a thirteenth example assembled combination according tothe present disclosure of a housing module frame of the presentdisclosure, a lid of the present disclosure, and a cover of the presentdisclosure.

FIG. 57 shows a fourteenth example assembled combination according tothe present disclosure of a housing module frame of the presentdisclosure, a lid of the present disclosure, and a cover of the presentdisclosure.

FIG. 58 shows a fifteenth example assembled combination according to thepresent disclosure of a housing module frame of the present disclosure,a lid of the present disclosure, and a cover of the present disclosure.

FIG. 59 shows a sixteenth example assembled combination according to thepresent disclosure of a housing module frame of the present disclosure,a lid of the present disclosure, and a cover of the present disclosure.

FIG. 60 shows a seventeenth example assembled combination according tothe present disclosure of a housing module frame of the presentdisclosure, a lid of the present disclosure, and a cover of the presentdisclosure.

FIG. 61 shows a eighteenth example assembled combination according tothe present disclosure of a housing module frame of the presentdisclosure, a lid of the present disclosure, and a cover of the presentdisclosure.

FIG. 62 shows a nineteenth example assembled combination according tothe present disclosure of a housing module frame of the presentdisclosure, a lid of the present disclosure, and a cover of the presentdisclosure.

FIG. 63 shows a twentieth example assembled combination according to thepresent disclosure of a housing module frame of the present disclosure,a lid of the present disclosure, and a cover of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Reference will now be made in detail to exemplary aspects of the presentdisclosure that are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Whereverpossible, the same reference numbers will be used throughout thedrawings to refer to the same or like parts.

FIGS. 1-9 depicts various different example enclosure module frames thatcan be coupled with one or more of the covers of the present disclosure.Referring to FIGS. 1-9, the enclosure module frame 10 includes a top 11,a bottom 12, a front 13, a back 14, and opposing sides 15 and 16, whichtogether define an interior volume 17. The top 11 is open, and the front13 has an opening 9. The back 14 has a port 19. The port 19 can beadapted to receive any one of a non-connectorized portion of a cable, aconnector, an adapter, or any other element to facilitate coupling of acable or optical fiber external to the module frame 10 to the moduleframe 10. A groove 18 on the bottom 12 is adapted to receive a couplingelement (not shown) to couple the module frame 10 to another moduleframe.

The module frame 20 is identical to the module frame 10, except that themodule frame 20 has a completely closed off back 24 without the port 19of the module frame 10.

The example enclosure module frame 30 includes a top 31, a bottom 32, afront 33, a back 34, and opposing sides 35 and 36, which together definean interior volume 37. The top 31 is open, and the front 33 has anopening 39 larger than the opening 9. The back 34 has a port 40. Theport 40 can be adapted to receive any one of a non-connectorized portiona cable, a connector, an adapter, or any other element to facilitatecoupling of a cable or optical fiber external to the module frame 30 tothe module frame 30.

The module frame 50 is identical to the module frame 30, except that themodule frame 50 has a completely closed off back 54 without the port 40of the module frame 30.

The example enclosure module frame 60 includes a top 61, a bottom 62, afront 63, a back 64, and opposing sides 65 and 66, which together definean interior volume 67. The top 61 is open, and the front 63 has a pairof openings 69 a and 69 b, which can be of the same size, or as shown,of different sizes. The back 64 has a port 70. The port 70 can beadapted to receive any one of a non-connectorized portion of a cable, aconnector, an adapter, or any other element to facilitate coupling of acable or optical fiber external to the module frame 60 to the moduleframe 60.

The module frame 80 is identical to the module frame 60, except that themodule frame 80 has a completely closed off back 84 without the port 70of the module frame 60.

Each of the openings of the module frames (e.g., the openings 9, 39, 69a, 69 b) can be adapted to receive a cover, which will be described inmore detail below. The cover can be selectable from a plurality of coverconfigurations depending on the intended application/use for the moduleframe. Moreover, a cover can be substituted for another cover as theapplication/use of the module frame changes.

It should be appreciated that the module frames shown throughout thedrawings are just some of many possible variations in, e.g., frameproportions, shape of the frame, shape of the interior volume defined bythe frame, number of openings, positioning of the opinions, and numberand positioning of the ports.

FIG. 10 depicts an example covered enclosure module frame 100 inaccordance with the present disclosure.

Referring to FIG. 10, the frame 100 includes a back 101, a top 102, abottom 103, a side 104, and a front 105, which together define aninterior volume. The front 105 can include a coverable opening. The back101 can be configured to abut a structure, e.g., a wall or othersurface, for mounting the frame 100 to that structure. In this example,an opening of the front 105 is covered with a cover 106, the coverincluding one or more ports 108 on a plate 107. Each of the ports 108can be adapted to receive one or more fiber optic components such as afiber optic connector, a fiber optic ferrule, a fiber optic adapter,etc.

The ports 108 can provide an interface between fiber optic componentsinterior to the frame 100 and fiber optic components exterior to theframe 100.

In the example frame 100, the front 105 is disposed at an oblique anglerelative to the back 101, i.e., relative to the side that mounts theframe to a structure. Thus, the central axis of each of the ports 108 inthe cover 106 is at an oblique angle relative to the side of the framethat mounts the frame to the structure. This configuration can enhance atechnician's visibility with respect to cables terminated at the cover106.

The frame 100 also includes a port 109 in communication with theinterior volume. The central axis of the port 109 is parallel orapproximately parallel to the back 101. In some examples, the port 109can include a cable seal and be adapted to receive a non-connectorizedportion of an optical cable entering the interior volume defined by theframe 100.

It should be appreciated that the port 109 can be considered as a cableinput port and the ports 108 can be considered as cable output ports, orvice versa. For example, a feeder cable or ruggedized fiber connectorcan interface with the interior volume of the frame 100 via the port109, and fibers from the feeder cable can be spliced, split, indexed,fanned out, or otherwise routed in the interior volume to the ports 108,to which, e.g., connectorized drop cables can be connected. Theconnectors of the connectorized drop cables can be ruggedized ornon-ruggedized. In addition, one or more of the ports 108 can be pluggedand one or more fibers can be stored within the interior volume definedby the frame.

FIGS. 11A and 11B depict a further example of a covered enclosure moduleframe 120 in accordance with the present disclosure. The frame 120 is avariation of the frame 100, including an extension 121. The back of themodule frame 120 is mounted to a vertical wall 2 a in FIG. 11B or otherstructure, e.g., a horizontal structure such as a ceiling 2 b in FIG.11A. A feeder cable 3 is parallel to the wall/structure 2 a, 2 b andinterfaces with the frame 120 at the extension 121 via a port in theframe adapted to receive a non-connectorized portion of a cable. Dropcables 4 are connectorized with hardened connectors 5 that mate with theports of the 106. The central axis of the feeder cable 3 is indicated asA and the central axis of one of the drop cables 4 is indicated as B. Asshown, the central axes of the feeder cables 3 are oblique to the plane(into and out of the page) defined by the wall/structure 2 a, 2 b.

FIG. 12 depicts a further example covered enclosure module frame 150 inaccordance with the present disclosure. The frame 150 includes a curvedback 151, a front 152, opposing sides 153 and 154, a top 155, and abottom 156, defining an interior volume for, e.g., storing, splicing,indexing, splitting, or fanning out optical fibers. The front 152 has anopening that is covered by the cover 106 with ports 108. The side 153 ismounted to a wall or other surface 2. A feeder cable 3 is curved aroundthe frame 150 and interfaces with the frame 150 at extension 121 via aport in the extension 121 adapted to receive a non-connectorized portionof a cable, and where fibers from the feeder cable 3 can enter theinterior volume defined by the frame 150. A recessed platform 159facilitates routing of the feeder cable 3 around the curved back 151 andtowards the front 152 in a compact manner. A groove 158 on the top 155is adapted to receive a coupling element (not shown) to couple themodule frame 150 to another module frame.

FIGS. 13-16 depict further example enclosure module frames (160, 170)that can be coupled with one or more of the covers of the presentdisclosure. Each module frame includes, respectively, an open coverablefront (162, 172) having an opening, respectively (161, 171).

A stacking element 199 can be used between adjacent frames to coupleadjacent frames together. Thus, for example, a stacking element 199 canbe used to couple an open top of a first frame with an open bottom of asecond frame. Coupled adjacent frames can be of the same type ordifferent types.

In addition to the fronts (162, 172), one or more other sides of theframes can include openings, such as the top or the bottom, or thecoverable openings 182 and 192 on the back of the module frames 160 and170, respectively. One or more of the coverable openings of the moduleframes can be used to provide an interface for optical connectionbetween an outside of the frame and the interior volume defined by theframe.

FIG. 17 depicts an example cover 200 in accordance with the presentdisclosure. The cover 200 can be used to cover an opening of a moduleframe of the present disclosure, such as the opening 171, the opening,9, or the opening 69 a. The cover 200 does not include any ports and canbe used to close off the frame opening rather than providing aninterface for a fiber optic connection. The cover 200 includes a plate202 having an outward facing side 203. By outward is meant that when thecover 200 is properly mounted to the module frame, the outward facingside 203 faces away from the interior volume defined by the frame.Extending from the plate 202 at different sides of the plate 202 arewings 204 that can be pressed around a rim of the opening on the frameto help mount the cover to the frame.

FIG. 18 depicts a further example cover 210 in accordance with thepresent disclosure. The cover 210 can be used to cover an opening of amodule frame of the present disclosure, such as the opening 171, theopening 9, or the opening 69 a. The cover 210 includes a plate 212.Extending from the plate 212 at different sides of the plate 212 arewings 204 that can be pressed or otherwise positioned around a rim ofthe opening on the frame to help mount the cover to the frame. Ports 216through the plate 212 are adapted to receive one or more opticalconnection components, the ports 216 providing an interface between theexterior of the module frame and the interior volume defined by themodule frame.

FIG. 19 depicts an example optical termination unit pair 220 that can becoupled to at least one of the covers of the present disclosure. Eachoptical termination unit 222 in the pair 220 includes a fiber opticconnector 224, a fiber optic adapter 226, and a plug 228. The units 222can be mounted, respectively, e.g., in the ports 216 of the cover 210.The plugs 228 are coupled to the adapters with tethers 229. To providean optical connection via a unit 222, the plug 228 can be removed fromthe adapter 226 and another fiber optic connector or other opticalcoupling device can be installed in the portion of the adapter that hadbeen occupied by the plug 228.

FIG. 20 depicts a further example cover 230 in accordance with thepresent disclosure. The cover 230 includes a plate 231 and a blockinsert 232 for inserting into the interior volume defined by a moduleframe. The block insert 232 is inserted through an appropriately sizedopening in a module frame. Ports 233 are adapted to receive hardenedconnectors, e.g., hardened connectors that terminate drop cables. Acable seal 234 is positioned at another port on the plate 231 and isadapted to receive and seal off a non-connectorized portion of a cable,e.g., a feeder cable, as the cable enters the interior volume defined bythe module frame.

FIG. 21 depicts a further example cover 240 in accordance with thepresent disclosure. The cover 240 includes a plate 241 and wings 242,which can function as the wings described above. A further configurationof ports 243 is provided in the plate 241 for receiving opticalconnectorizing components of a further configuration.

FIGS. 22-25 show further example covers (250, 260, 270, and 280),varying in the size and/or shape of the plate, as we all is in the type,number and/or distribution of the ports disposed in the plate. Forexample, the cover 250: is adapted to cover the same size opening as thecover 240, the cover 230, the cover 210, or the cover 200; isrectangular in shape, and includes a single row of four ports 251 of aconfiguration adapted to receive non-ruggedized fiber optic connectorsand/or adapters. The cover 260 is square-shaped, larger than the cover250, and includes two rows, each of four of the ports 251. The cover 260is sized to cover, e.g., the opening 161. The cover 270 is adapted tocover the same size opening as the cover 250 and includes four of theports 243 (discussed above) arranged in two rows of two. The cover 280is adapted to cover the same size opening as the cover 250 and includesfour of the ports 233 (discussed above) arranged in two rows of two.

FIGS. 26A-26O (collectively, FIG. 26) show various views of a furtherexample cover 290 in accordance with the present disclosure. The cover290 includes a plate 291 and a row of four ports 292 in the plateadapted to receive ruggedized optical connectors/adapters. Each of theports 292 includes a ring 293 protruding from the plate 291, with screwthreads 294 disposed on an inner surface of the ring 293, the screwthreads adapted to receive corresponding threads of an opticalconnection component, such as a ruggedized connector or adapter. Thecover 290 is sized to cover the same size opening as any of the covers210, 230, 240, or 250. The cover 290 does not have wings, but rather ablock insert 295 that enters the interior volume defined by the moduleframe to help mount the cover to the frame.

FIG. 29 shows a front view of the cover 290 of FIG. 26. The shape of theaperture 297 in each of the ports 292 indicates the form factor of theoptical connecting component that can be received by the port 292.

FIG. 27 shows the cover 290 of FIG. 26 in a partially connectorizedconfiguration. Optical connectorizing components 299 for placementwithin the interior volume defined by the module frame are partiallydisposed within the block insert 295.

FIG. 28 shows a front view of the cover 230 of FIG. 20. The form factorof the apertures 237 of the ports 233 is different from, e.g., the formfactor of aperture 297 of the ports 292.

FIG. 30 shows a partially connectorized further example cover 300 inaccordance with the present disclosure. The cover 300 has a plate 301and is sized to cover the same size frame opening as, e.g., any of thecovers 210, 230, 240, 250, or 290. The cover 300 includes three portsthrough the plate 301, each of the ports receiving a pluggable adapterunit 304. The three adapter units 304 can optionally form an integralpiece for mounting to the cover 300. Partial cylinders 305 can mate withrings (e.g., the rings 293) protruding from the face plate 301 to helpsecure the adapter units 304 to the cover 300.

FIG. 31 shows the cover 210 of FIG. 18 partially connectorized with theoptical termination unit pair 220 of FIG. 19. The partiallyconnectorized cover 210 thus forms an assembly 320. The wings 214 areconfigured to hug a rim of a module frame opening exteriorly, while theinteriorly protruding wall 217 is adapted to hug the opening in themodule frame on the interior. Thus, the protruding wall 217 can functionin a way that is similar to that of the block inserts (e.g., the blockinsert 232, 295) of some of the other module configurations, theprotruding wall 217 cooperating with the module frame to provide asecure covering of the frame opening.

FIG. 32 shows a partially connectorized example hybrid cover 340 inaccordance with the present disclosure. The hybrid cover 340 includesthe cover 320 discussed above coupled to a cover 330. The cover 330 is amodified version of the cover 300, in that the cover 330 includes wings341. The hybrid cover 340 is partially connectorized with the opticaltermination unit pair 220. By combining covers of differentconfigurations into a hybrid configuration such as the hybrid cover 340,the type of port availability and connectorization available at theopening of a module frame can be changed without removing a coveralready in place on the module frame.

FIG. 33 shows a further partially connectorized example cover 350 inaccordance with the present disclosure. The cover 350 includes a plate351 and an interiorly protruding wall 357 extending from an interiorfacing surface of the plate 351. A pair of the optical termination unitpairs 220 are shown installed in the four ports of the cover 350.

FIG. 34 is a further view of the partially connectorized cover 290 ofFIG. 27.

FIGS. 35-38 include front views of four different covers (400, 410, 420,430) in accordance with the present disclosure. Each of the covers (400,410, 420, 430) can be used to cover an appropriately sized andconfigured opening in a module frame. Respectively, each of the covers(400, 410, 420, 430) includes a plate (401, 411, 421, 431) in which zeroor more ports are disposed.

The plate 401 includes two ports 402 adapted to receive a first type ofoptical connection component, and a cable entry port 403. The cableentry port 403 includes a cylindrical cable seal 404 protruding outward(relative to the interior of a module frame) from the plate 401.

The plate 411 includes zero ports.

The plate 421 includes only a cable entry port 403 having a cable seal404.

The plate 431 includes four ports 432 adapted to receive a second typeof optical connection component. That is, the ports 432 are configureddifferently than the ports 402, and the ports 432 are identical to theports 292 discussed above.

It should be appreciated that, with respect to a given module framehaving an appropriately sized opening into its interior volume (such asthe opening 9, 69 a, 171, 182, or 92) the covers (400, 410, 420, 430)and others described herein such as, but not limited to, the covers(106, 200, 210, 230, 240, 250, 290, 300, 320, 340), can beinterchangeable with one another depending on a specificconnectorization scheme desired for the module frame. Thus, for example,each of the covers (400, 410, 420, 430, 106, 200, 210, 230, 240, 250,290, 300, 320, 340) can be configured to couple to the same module frameopening, and swapped out for one another. In the same manner, coversincluding but not limited to the covers (260, 270, 280) can be, withrespect to a given module frame having an appropriately sized opening(such as the opening 39, 69 b, or 161) interchangeable with one anotherdepending on a specific connectorization scheme desired for the moduleframe.

FIG. 39 depicts telecommunications module frame assembly including thetelecommunications module frame 170 of FIG. 14 coupled to the cover 230of FIG. 20. The cover 230 covers at least a portion of an opening in theframe 170, and a rear portion of the cover 230 is within the interiorvolume defined by the frame 170. A stacking base 500 is coupled to theframe 170. The stacking base 500 can facilitate construction,management, adjustment, or deconstruction of a stack of a plurality ofthe frames 170, adjacent pairs of the plurality of the frames 170 beingcouplable with the stacking element 199.

FIGS. 40-43 show front faces of four example telecommunications moduleframe assemblies (700, 710, 720, 730), each coupled to one or more ofthe covers (250, 270, 300) in accordance with the present disclosure.The lids 701 can be adapted to stack multiple frames together, asdepicted, e.g., in the assemblies 720 and 730. Some of the covers areshown with plugs in the ports and some without plugs in the ports. Someof the frames include an expansion portion (703, 713) to a side of thecover. The expansion portion (703, 713) includes a port adapted tosealingly receive a non-connectorized portion of an input cable enteringthe interior volume defined by the respective module frame. Opticalfibers from the input cable can be spliced, split, fanned out orotherwise routed within the interior volume of the respective moduleframe to connectorizing elements supported at the cover ports.

FIGS. 44-63 show twenty example combinations of various housing moduleframes (600 a, 600 b, 600 c, 600 d, 600 e, 600 f) coupled to variousconnectorized or non-connectorized housing module frame covers (602 a,602 b, 602 c, 602 d, 602 e) in accordance with the present disclosure.Each of the module frames also includes a lid selected from a variety ofconfigurations of lids (604 a, 604 b, 604 c).

The frames (600 c, 600 d, 600 e, and 600 f) correspond, respectively, tothe frames (30, 50, 60 and 80), described above. The frames (600 a, 600b, 600 c, 600 d, 600 e, 600 f) can be interchangeable and differ fromone another with respect to one or more of: the frame's size; thelocation, size, and number of openings in the frame that receive acover; and the existence, nonexistence, and/or placement of a cable portin the frame itself. With respect to the cable ports disposed in theframes themselves, for example, the cable port can be an input or anoutput port and can be disposed on the same side of the frame as thecover or on a different side of the frame than the cover. In addition, agiven module frame can be provided with zero, one or more cable ports.

The covers (602 a, 602 b, 602 c, 602 d, 602 e) can correspond to coversdescribed above. The covers (602 a, 602 b, 602 c, 602 d, 602 e) can beinterchangeable and differ from one another with respect to one or moreof: the cover's shape; size; and number, placement and type of ports.The ports of some of the lids can be plugged with plugs. For example,the plugs 610 are each plugging multi-fiber connector output ports,while the plugs 228 (also discussed above) are plugging single-fiberconnector output ports. It should also be appreciated that the portsdisposed in the frames themselves can also be plugged as shown, e.g.with respect to the combination assembly 650, which has four pluggedsingle-fiber output ports disposed in a cover of the frame and oneplugged input port in the frame itself.

The lids (604 a, 604 b, 604 c) can be interchangeable and differ fromone another with respect to size and function. Thus, for example, thelids 604 b and 604 c define a substantial interior volume thateffectively substantively extends the interior volume of the module towhich it is coupled. In addition, for example, the lid 604 a does notsupport a port for fiber optic connectivity; while the lid 604 bincludes a cable seal 234 at an input port on the same side of the frameas the output ports of the cover; and the lid 604 c includes a firstcable seal 234 a at an input/output port on the same side of the frameas the output ports and the cover, as well as two multi-fiber outputports adjacent the first cable seal 234 a, as well as a second cableseal 234 b at a different side of the frame.

The combinations of FIGS. 44-63 represent particular non-limitingexamples of how to combine a module frame, one or more covers, and alid, for a given set of configurations of module frames, a given set ofconfigurations of covers, and a given set of configurations of lidsaccording to a desired application of input and output connectivity andthe manner in which the interior volume of the module frame is to beused.

Although in the foregoing description, terms such as “top,” “bottom,”“front,” and “back”/“rear” were used for ease of description andillustration, no restriction is intended by such use of the terms. Themodules and their components described herein can be used in anyorientation, depending upon the desired application.

Having described the preferred aspects and embodiments of the presentdisclosure, modifications and equivalents of the disclosed concepts mayreadily occur to one skilled in the art. However, it is intended thatsuch modifications and equivalents be included within the scope of theclaims which are appended hereto.

1-27. (canceled)
 28. A telecommunications enclosure system, comprising:a frame including a top, a bottom, a front, a back, and opposing sideswhich together define: an interior volume, an opening at the top of theframe, a port at the back of the frame configured to receive anon-connectorized portion of a cable, and additional openings; a firstcover covering one of the additional openings, the first cover includingat least one port for receiving one or more connectorizing elements ofone or more optical fibers; a second cover covering the other of theadditional openings, the second cover including at least one port forreceiving one or more connectorizing elements of one or more opticalfibers; and a lid defining a lid interior volume and ports for receivingconnectorizing elements of one or more optical fibers, the lid closingthe opening in the top of the frame and thereby extending the interiorvolume of the frame according to the lid interior volume.
 29. Thetelecommunications enclosure system of claim 28, wherein the lidincludes plugs adapted to removably plug the ports of the lid.
 30. Thetelecommunications enclosure system of claim 28, including one or moreoptical elements disposed within the interior volume that provide forone or more of: optical fiber indexing, optical signal splitting, and/oroptical fiber splicing capabilities.
 31. The telecommunicationsenclosure system of claim 28, wherein one or more of the ports isadapted to receive a ruggedized multi-fiber connector.
 32. Thetelecommunications enclosure system of claim 28, wherein the lidincludes a first cable seal.
 33. The telecommunications enclosure systemof claim 32, wherein the lid includes a second cable seal at a differentside of the frame from the first cable seal.
 34. A telecommunicationsenclosure system, comprising: a frame including a top, a bottom, afront, a back, and opposing sides which together define: an interiorvolume, an opening at the top of the frame, a port at the back of theframe configured to receive a non-connectorized portion of a cable, andadditional openings; a first cover covering one of the additionalopenings, the first cover including at least one port for receiving oneor more connectorizing elements of one or more optical fibers; a secondcover covering the other of the additional openings, the second coverincluding at least one port for receiving one or more connectorizingelements of one or more optical fibers; and a lid defining a lidinterior volume and ports for receiving connectorizing elements of oneor more optical fibers, the lid closing the opening in the top of theframe and thereby extending the interior volume of the frame accordingto the lid interior volume, wherein the lid includes plugs adapted toremovably plug the ports of the lid; and wherein the frame defines aport for receiving a cable.